Because the rate of dog bite injuries to children is somewhat higher than to adults, the actual risk often becomes exaggerated in peoples’ minds. This presentation will examine what is known about the risk of injury from dog bites and the kinds of interactions between dogs and children thought to be common to bite incidents.

Ways to frame messages about safe interactions with dogs to emphasize empathy building rather than fear will be presented. This includes situations that are likely to make dogs feel the need to defend themselves and the “please don’t make me bite you,” signals that can result.

Webinar Objectives

Understand the actual risk of dog bite injuries to children

Be able to explain non-threatening behavior toward dogs in a way that builds empathy in children

About The Presenter

Janis Bradley is the author of Dogs Bite, but balloons and slippers are more dangerous, the complete guide to research on dog bites, along with Dog Bites: Problems and Solutions for The Animals and Society Institute, and The Relevance of Breed in Selecting a Companion Dog for the National Canine Research Council. Between 2000 and 2009, Bradley trained more than 400 professional pet dog trainers at the San Francisco SPCA’s Academy for Dog Trainers, and in 2011 founded the Dog Training Internship Academy. Bradley is the Director of Communications and Publications at the National Canine Research Council, a think tank whose mission is to support and distribute the best current science studying domestic dogs in the context of a human environment. She has spoken at numerous professional conferences. She lives in Camarillo California with her rescued Greyhound.